NEWMAN — The Newman Fall Festival committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, Feb. 24, as organizers begin planning the 2026 edition of the city’s largest annual community celebration and seek new volunteers to help lead it.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, where the committee will conduct Executive Board elections and assign chairpersons for major festival events. Three board positions — chairman, co–vice chairman and treasurer — are up for election. The Community Meeting Room is located in the building behind the Newman Police Department.

Christine Eddington, who has served as chairman for several years, said she will not seek another term but will remain involved as the Miss Newman Pageant chairwoman.

“I will work closely with the newly elected Executive Board to ensure a smooth transition and to share all necessary knowledge and resources for continued success,” Eddington said. “If you are interested in assisting with the planning of our beloved community festival, we encourage you to attend.”

The Newman Fall Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, is one of the city’s longest-running traditions. The event features carnival rides, food booths, the Miss Newman pageant, a parade and rotating activities that have included bike races, volleyball tournaments and cornhole. Last year’s festival drew strong crowds and marked the return of the popular fashion show.

The call for volunteers comes one year after the committee issued a serious warning that the festival could be paused — or the organization dissolved — if more residents did not step into leadership roles. That appeal brought a strong community response, allowing the 2025 festival to move forward successfully.

Eddington said the committee remains financially stable but still needs more people willing to take on year-round planning responsibilities.

“Our board members have pulled double duty as committee chairs in addition to their board positions, and we need more people to take the lead and lighten the load,” she said last year. “Anybody can step up and help. If there are groups who want to take over parts of the festival and engage their own members, they are encouraged to do so.”

Event chairpersons are needed for several key areas, including the parade, booths, entertainment, sponsorships and the Evening Under the Stars fundraiser. Volunteers who previously helped with events such as the parade or An Evening Under the Stars are encouraged to attend the Feb. 24 meeting and express their interest in continuing.

Eddington said the committee has always welcomed new ideas — from cornhole tournaments to specialty contests — and hopes residents will continue bringing fresh energy to the festival.

Residents interested in leadership roles or event coordination may attend the meeting or contact the committee at office@newmanfallfestival.org.